Stir-n-Up Hope
Ferdinand, Indiana
Stir-n-Up Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that calls itself a therapeutic horsemanship center, located in Spencer County, Indiana, just north of Santa Claus. It offers equine-assisted learning and equine-assisted activities, including horseback riding for people who may not be accommodated at traditional stables. According to its website, it serves people from Spencer and surrounding counties in Indiana and Kentucky.
- Equine-assisted learning (EAL) with structured learning plans
- Equine-assisted activities (EAA), mounted and unmounted
- Horseback riding for people not accommodated at traditional stables
- Equine-assisted learning for groups such as schools, youth, veterans and staff teams
- Indoor arena for sessions in bad weather
- Scholarship program
- Foster families with new placements
- Veteran groups
- School and youth groups
- Blended families
- Staff team-building groups
- Individuals who may not be accommodated at traditional stables
More about this center
About the Program
The center describes two program types. Equine-assisted learning uses a structured learning plan and horse-human interaction to build skills such as trust, respect, honesty and communication. Equine-assisted activities extend horseback riding to people who may not be accommodated at traditional riding stables, with mounted work, unmounted work or both, and every participant gets hands-on time with the horses.
Its website groups program goals into five areas: cognitive, physical, emotional, social and spiritual. It does not list hippotherapy or licensed therapy services.
The Horses and Staff
The team page lists Raven McCrady as executive director, and Becky Perkins (program director and volunteer coordinator) and Mary Sampson (instructor) as PATH Intl. instructors. The site does not state that the center itself is PATH Intl. accredited.
History
According to its website, Tommy and Kelly Epperson started the program in 2002 in their Rockport, Indiana backyard, after a friend whose daughter had been on a waiting list for three years at the nearest center asked to use their horses. Services were free for the first 16 years. In 2017 donors funded the purchase of the current barn and pasture, which includes an indoor arena.
Location
Stir-n-Up Hope is at 17336 N. State Rd. 162, Ferdinand, IN 47532, in Spencer County just north of Santa Claus.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I sign up?
Complete the preliminary application linked from the Programs page on the center's website. It asks for medical, mobility and behavior information, emergency contacts and goals, and the site also links a precautions and contraindications document.
How much does it cost?
The center says a scholarship program ensures no participant is turned away because of cost. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Can groups book sessions?
Yes. The center lists equine-assisted learning for foster families, veterans, school and youth groups, blended families and staff teams.
How do I contact the center?
Call the barn at (812) 544-2276 or email raven@stir-n-uphope.org.
Location
Ferdinand, Indiana 47532
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.